Specificity of Life Conditions for Commercial Invertebrates on Artificial Substrates in the Eutrophicated Amur Bay,the Sea of Japan

The consequences of anthropogenic impact on the water area of Amur Bay (the Sea of Japan) near Vladivostok include the eutrophication of coastal waters and littering with various objects used as artificial substrates, which protect sedentary animals from predators and contribute to the survival of their larvae. An indicator of eutrophication, the diatom Skeletonema costatum accounting for 81–96% of the total abundance of phytoplankton (Stonik and Selina, 1995), is consumed mainly by barnacles and the Pacific oyster. Thus, these animals gain an advantage in the colonization of artificial substrates. The results of the study suggest that eutrophication will lead to changes in the structure of the marine community.     

Long-Term Changes in the State of Gonads in Sea Urchins Strongylocentrotus intermediusfrom Amur Bay,the Sea of Japan

The state of gonads was analyzed in sea urchins Strongylocentrotus intermediuscollected in Amur Bay (Peter the Great Bay, the Sea of Japan) in August 1984, 1985, 1989, and 1997 at five stations: Skrebtsov Island (1), Sportivnaya Harbor (2), Cape Tokarevskii (3), Alekseev Bay on Popov Island (4), and Verkhovskii Islands (5). The first three stations were in the polluted inshore zone of Vladivostok; stations 4 and 5 were in the open (insular) part of the bay, remote from the main sources of pollution. The state of gonads of sea urchins collected in different years and areas strongly varied with respect to gonad index (GI), gonad maturity index, and indices of pathological changes in gonads. As compared with the data obtained in 1984, 1985, and 1989, the values of GI increased in sea urchins from stations 1–3 and decreased in sea urchins from stations 4 and 5. Although GI values were high, the indices of gonad maturity in animals from the coastal zone were very low. In general gonad maturity in sea urchins from the Amur Bay was lower in 1997 than in the previous years. The correlation analysis of long-term data revealed no positive correlation between the values of GI and gonad maturity index in sea urchins from stations 1–4. Histopathological changes were more serious in sea urchins from stations 1–3. In 1997, the indices of pathological changes in the gonads of sea urchins from the insular zone (stations 4 and 5) were higher than in the previous period (1984–1989). The influence of various ecological factors—temperature, salinity, environmental pollution, and food supply—on gametogenesis in sea urchins is discussed.     

Current state and long-term changes of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Crenomytilus grayanus</Emphasis> community in Vostok Bay,Sea of Japan

The composition and structure of the Gray mussel (Crenomytilus grayanus) community in Vostok Bay of the Sea of Japan have been studied. A total of 165 species have been identified in the macrobenthos. Its species composition has changed insignificantly since the 1970s. The total biomass of the biocenosis has decreased, and the size-age composition of the C. grayanus population has changed due to poaching. The trophic structure of the community has also changed, with the Shannon indices of species diversity and equitability (E) becoming lower, due to intensive organic pollution of Vostok Bay resulting from increasing recreational activities and sewage discharge.     

Molecular biomarkers of energy metabolism in mussels under anthropogenic pollution of Peter the Great Bay, the Sea of Japan

The functional state of the indicator species, the Gray mussel Crenomytilus grayanus (Bivalvia), has been analyzed in five areas of Peter the Great Bay exposed to anthropogenic pollution. The following indices of the state of mussels have been used: molecular biomarkers of energy metabolism—Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase, Mg²⁺-ATPase, and total ATPase activity—as well as the level of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and glutathione concentration in the hepatopancreas, gills, and gonads of mussels. The activity of ATPases, LPO level, and glutathione concentration significantly change in mussels from polluted areas relative to those in mussels from a conventionally unpolluted area (a bay in the Far Eastern State Marine Reserve). The molecular biomarkers used in the study provide reliable information on animal metabolism in impact areas. With consideration of the data obtained, it is concluded that the state of mussels in polluted areas is impaired.     

Distribution of the Anthozoan Metridium senile fibriatum (Verril) on the Rocky Sublittoral of the Rimsky-Korsakov Islands, Sea of Japan

The distribution of the anthozoan Metridium senile fibriatum on the rocky sublittoral of the Rimsky-Korsakov Islands at depths of 2–15 m has been investigated in relation to abiotic environmental factors. Together with the bivalve Crenomytilus grayanus, M. senile fibriatum dominates on rocky grounds in the upper sublittoral zone of open seaward coasts in the southern part of Peter the Great Bay. There is a significant dependence of its distribution on the intensity of water exchange and the bottom slope. The largest aggregations of M. senile fibriatum are found at depths over 10 m on vertical walls located at an acute angle or parallel to the prevailing directions of wave flows and in shallow gaping crevices with a stable direction of water flows. Anthozoans are absent from the rough rocky surface of the upper 5-m horizon and from relatively smooth walls exposed to wind waves at depths of less than 2 m. On the surfaces located at right angles to oncoming waves, the abundance of anthozoans drastically decreases.     

The Anthropogenic Impact on the True Seals (Carnivora: Phocidae) at the Mouth of Piltun Bay (Sakhalin Island,Russia)

Russian Journal of Ecology - A study of the anthropogenic impacts on the on-shore aggregation of true seals was carried out at a haul-out located at the mouth of Piltun Bay (the northeastern part...     

Biotesting of water from Peter the Great Bay,Sea of Japan,using the microalga <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dunaliella salina</Emphasis>

Water samples from zones with different levels of anthropogenic pollution in Peter the Great Bay, the Sea of Japan, were subjected to biotesting on the microalga Dunaliella salina. A distinct inhibitory effect on microalgal cultures was revealed in tests of water from Amur Bay. Water samples from stations in the Tumannaya River mouth and off Frugelm Island (in the southwestern part of Peter the Great Bay) and from Gaidamak Bight (Vostok Bay) had little effect on D. salina growth.     

Larvae of Sand Smelts (Atherina hepsetus L.) as a Bioindicator of Pollution in the Black Sea Coastal Waters

The activity of antioxidant enzymes and electrophoretic protein spectra were studied in sand smelt larvae inhabiting from five Sevastopol bays with different degrees of anthropogenic impact. The activity of antioxidant enzymes and the heterogeneity of electrophoretic protein spectra proved to increase in the larvae from the most polluted waters. The possibility of using these parameters as biological markers for assessing the influence of pollution on the early stages of fish ontogeny and the marine environment are discussed.     

Stability of Isolated Populations of Terrestrial Mammals Inhabiting the Islands of the Peter the Great Bay,Sea of Japan

A comparative analysis of the dynamics of insular populations of terrestrial animals was performed. The stability of insular populations and the relationship between their viability and the type of dynamics are discussed.     

中国工业系统各行业综合污染度评价方法与实例

中国的环境问题很大程度上与高强度和低效益的工业经济活动有关.降低工业系统污染程度无疑对我国建设资源节约型和环境友好型社会具有重要意义.对工韭系统各行业污染度进行定量化的综合评价,得到单一化的污染度指数,可方便不同行业间清洁水平的比较,可为各地区工业布局和工业结构的调整提供理论依据.本文初步建立了中国工业系统污染度综合评价的方法,并对栽十五期间(2001-2005)我国重点调查的41个工业行业的综合污染度进行了评价,得到了各行业的综合污染度评价指数、排名及其变化情况.结果表明,十五期间,我国工业系统污染度总体上有较大幅度的降低,各行业污染度差别较大,有的行业污染度有大幅下降,有的行业还有所增加.本文的研究成果可为建设资源节约型和环境友好型社会提供重要理论支持.     

现代战争对自然环境的影响及思考

战争造成的环境创伤是巨大的,本文以详实的背景资料,通过海湾战争、越南战争等实例,分类描述了现代战争中爆炸物、生化武器、泄漏物等对大气环境、水环境、土壤环境、气候以及地质结构的影响,并由此剖析战争原因,通过处理好本国利益与全人类利益、增强综合国力与人类长远利益、反对霸权主义与打击恐怖主义三对关系,在法律的框架下让人类远离战争,提出了促进世界和平和可持续发展的行动建议。     

Distribution of White Whales (Delphinapterus leucas) in the White Sea and the Southeastern Region of the Barents Sea during the Ice Season

The habitats, relative occurrence, and distribution of the white whale in the White Sea and the southeastern Barents sea in every month of the ice season have been studied using the results of an aerial ice survey along standard routes from 1970–1991. In these seas, white whales have been found in each month of the ice season, with single animals, groups, schools or gams, herds, and large congregations of several hundred animals accounting for 10, 22.8, 47.2, 12.9, and 7% of all aggregations of white whales observed, respectively. The relative occurrence of white whales in the White Sea is higher in March and May (32.5 and 30%, respectively) and lower in February, January, and November (15, 10, and 7.5%, respectively); in December and April, the whales are observed very seldom (2.5% in both months). In the southeastern Barents Sea, the relative occurrence of white whales is highest in May (53.3%) and considerably lower in December and February (16.7 and 10%); only a few animals are found during the remaining ice season. Regarding different habitats, the relative occurrences of white whales in open water, in water openings in the ice, near the edge of pack ice, and in ice packs with different degrees of closeness are 21.5, 11.4, 45.7, and 21.4%, respectively.     

The pollution status and the toxicity of surface sediments in Izmit Bay (Marmara Sea), Turkey

Izmit Bay is one of the most polluted and populated enclosed sea in Turkey. It has been the centre of industrial activities for the last 30 years. Seven major sources enter the bay waters along the north coastline of the bay. This investigation forms part of continuing ecotoxicology studies in the Izmit Bay designed to constrain and minimise the pollution caused by flourishing industry and a growing population. Sediments sampled from the mouths of the major discharges of Izmit Bay were analysed for their organic carbon, total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (t-PAH) and trace inorganic element (Cd, Al, As, Pb, Hg and Cu) contents and compared with those found in the sediments from the reference station in the outer bay (in the Marmara Sea). The toxicity of sediments was determined in the bulk and elutriate samples by using algal (Phaeodactylum tricornutum) batch bioassays. Chemical data showed that the sediments collected from the inner sites of the bay have been contaminated with Cd, Hg, As and PAHs. Organic carbon contents were also found higher. All the major industrial discharges into the bay are now biologically treated but bioassays performed with bulk sediments revealed that the recent sediments are toxic to the microalgae throughout the bay. The results are consistent with the previous toxicity studies performed with the industrial discharges.     

Vertical distributions of (99)Tc and the (99)Tc/(137)Cs activity ratio in the coastal water off Aomori, Japan

Using a sector-field ICP-MS the vertical distributions of the ⁹⁹Tc concentration and ⁹⁹Tc/¹³⁷Cs activity ratio were measured in the coastal waters off Aomori Prefecture, Japan, where a spent-nuclear-fuel reprocessing plant has begun test operation. The ⁹⁹Tc concentrations in surface water ranged from 1.8 to 2.4 mBq/m³, no greater than the estimated background level. Relatively high ⁹⁹Tc/¹³⁷Cs activity ratios (10-12 × 10⁻⁴) would be caused by the inflow of the high-⁹⁹Tc/¹³⁷Cs water mass from the Japan Sea. There is no observable contamination from the reprocessing plant in the investigated area. The ⁹⁹Tc concentration and the ⁹⁹Tc/¹³⁷Cs activity ratio in water column showed gradual decreases with depth. Our results implied that ⁹⁹Tc behaves in a more conservative manner than ¹³⁷Cs in marine environments.     

Variation in the Parameters of the Life Cycle in Prawns of the Genus MacrobrachiumBate (Crustacea, Palaemonidae)

Variations in the parameters of the life cycle in freshwater prawns of the genus MacrobrachiumBate and some populations of the species Macrobrachium nipponense(De Haan) were analyzed comparatively. Using factor analysis, these parameters were systematized and expressed through two factors. The first factor is related to the parameters of larval development and the dimensions of an egg, and the second, to the length of adults and their fecundity. The greatest differences in the values of intrageneric and intraspecific variation of parameters are noted for the dimensions of larval stages. It is assumed that the formation of a species proceeds primarily through the appearance of adaptations at larval stages.     

非对称信息下企业治理环境污染的激励机制研究

基于博弈论构建了隐性声誉激励与显性收益激励相结合的动态激励机制,分析了企业治理环境污染过程中声誉激励因素的激励效应,探讨了非对称信息下隐性声誉激励机制效应发挥的有效均衡条件和相关要求,结果表明,通过引入动态声誉激励机制,不仅能促使企业更加努力进行治污。而且能减少信息不对称或行为不可验证性造成的不利影响。     

渤海海峡跨海通道建设环境影响研究

渤海海峡跨海通道建设是一项高技术、高投入的特大战略性工程，工程建设具有重大的经济、军事和政治意义，但是也必将对环境产生重大影响。本文在对各界专家一致推荐的“伏贴式隧道和隧道桥”方案进行简要分析的基础上．论述了对工程建设进行环境影响研究的必要性，提出了环境影响评价工作程序与工程决策生命周期的耦合过程，以便从工程源头控制环境影响的产生；初步探讨了工程施工期和运营期的环境影响识别内容，结果表明：采用“伏贴式隧道和隧道桥”方案，相对于其它方案对资源、生态环境的干扰和影响是最小的；并提出了预防和减缓不良环境影响的对策措施，为工程的环保施工与运营提供科学依据。     

基于复合污染指数的省级环境技术效率测算

在环境问题,特别是当前复合污染问题愈加突出的背景下,运用科学方法对复合污染程度进行量化测度,并在此基础上分析各个省份的环境技术效率,可以为制定相关政策、开展节能减排工作提供重要依据.该文尝试用熵值法及污染物权重系数调整构建复合污染指数,并在此基础上,利用方向性距离函数,对我国29个省区市2003 - 2009年间复合污染状况、区域环境技术效率进行了系统分析.研究结果表明:我国各省的环境技术效率有较大的差异,东部省份最高,中部次之,西部最为落后.绝大多数省份的环境技术效率值随时间变化呈下降趋势,但是下降的幅度不是很大,这种变化很大程度上可能源于我国“十一五”中后期经济发展模式的逆转,钢铁、水泥、电解铝、煤炭等行业发展过快,2005年重工业占工业总产值的比重高达69％,显现出过度工业化的特征.直观分析可以看出,环境技术效率的变动与环境污染程度之间存在反向关系,环境技术效率的水平对环境污染程度大小的影响较大.     

Spatiotemporal distribution of caddis fly larvae <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aethaloptera evanescens</Emphasis> MacLachlan, 1880 (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) in the Selenga River

Data on the occurrence, abundance, and biomass of caddis fly larvae Aethaloptera evanescens in the Selenga during the ice periods of 1987–2005 are presented. These insect larvae prefer river stretches with a gravel-sand ground, flow rate of 0.3–0.4 m/s, and depth of 2–3 m. Probable factors determining their distribution in the Selenga in recent years are a considerable drop of water level in the river (1995–2005), the improvement of hydrochemical conditions, and the presence of suspended and drifting erosion materials entering the river as a consequence of sand-gravel mixture excavation between 1980 and 1990.